Margaret: ATK Mohun Bagan starts Saturday as a favorite against the lowest seeded NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League game here.
ATKMB is on an unbeaten run of nine games and is fourth in the table with 23 points from 13 games, two less than the top players Hyderabad FC who are on 26 points.
the sailors can aspire to reach the top with two wins and that should start against NorthEast United, who have not won a game in the last nine games. They are bottom with 10 points from 16 games and will have nothing but pride to play for.
Juan Ferrando’s ATKMB has looked like a well oiled machine lately, their unbeaten run being the longest since they jumped on the ISL train.
The only cause for concern for Ferrando could be the lack of clean sheets. But other than that, the Kolkata side looked brilliant in every division under the Spaniard, played more with the ball and also created many more chances in the final third.
Liston Colaco also ended a four-game goalless streak when he gave ATKMB the lead in their 2-1 win over Hyderabad FC in their last game. Colaco brought his total to six goals this season. He and Manvir Singh looked great.
“Every match is different. We have our plans for NorthEast United. Our way is to keep the ball and attack the spaces. We will try to find the best moments in the possession attack.” Ferrando said at the pre-match press conference.
“They have good players and we have to be focused for 90 minutes.”
Asked about Sandesh Jhingan starting the game, the coach said: “He has been training since last week of January. He works hard and for him it is preparation for the season. I am very happy because he was very good in the last few training sessions. He is an important player for us.”
This season has been a disappointing one for NorthEast United. The club struggled to find consistency, suffering at least one loss in every two matches. The Highlanders conceded 35 goals in 16 games.
“We will prepare for this game in the same way. Everyone is ready and they are motivated to do well,” said NorthEast United head coach Jamil.
The last time the two sides met, ATKMB won 3-2.
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